Congestion charging schemes are always controversial because of fears that they will disrupt lifelong habits and harm business.

The scenario shown here emphasises the importance of identifying who will be affected and working with them in a variety of different ways to mitigate any adverse impacts.

A relatively leisurely process is envisaged to allow time for people to reflect on, and prepare for, the changes in behaviour required and for feedback to be processed and incorporated in revised proposals as the scheme evolves.

The scenario assumes that the process is instigated by politicians and managed by a technical team guided by a steering group.

There are four broad phases of engagement:

Initial consultation to identify affected parties and understand their viewpoints;